Bridge (instrument)

This article is about the component of a musical instrument. For bridges in musical composition, see Bridge (music). For the benefit concerts organized by Neil Young and wife, see Bridge School Benefit.
On a cello, the strings are attached to the tailpiece and are held above the soundboard by the bridge.

A bridge is a device that supports the strings on a stringed musical instrument and transmits the vibration of those strings to another structural component of the instrument—typically a soundboard, such as the top of a guitar or violin—which transfers the sound to the surrounding air. Depending on the instrument, the bridge may be made of carved wood (violin family instruments, acoustic guitars and some jazz guitars), metal (electric guitars such as the Fender Telecaster) or other materials. The bridge supports the strings and holds them over the body of the instrument under tension.